The global supply chain is under pressure as numerous container ships have been rerouted around southern Africa to avoid the Suez Canal as a result of attacks on vessels on the western coast of Yemen by Houthi rebels, aligned with Iran and declaring they have attacked ships in response to Israel’s bombardment of Gaza.

The situation, potentially adding three to four weeks to product delivery times, also spells trouble for Europe’s solar energy sector, officials have told energypress.

Though the PV sector is currently enjoying record-low cost for equipment, the drama unfolding in the Red Sea and at the Suez Canal threatens to greatly impact the global supply chain and alter favorable conditions currently benefiting the PV sector.

The European market’s PV needs are mostly covered by Chinese manufacturing. Any disruption to transportation routes would result in sector shortages on the continent.

PV officials in Europe are already warning the current rerouting of numerous container ships could increase market pressure for solar panels in the coming months.